Campbell River is a popular destination for an adventurous and activity-filled vacation. And everyone knows that the best adventures are complemented by great food, whether its treats for the top of a mountain, a satiating post-activity refuel, or a culinary tour of a new destination as the adventure itself.
Brunch in Campbell River
We love spending a slow Sunday indulging in a long brunch with loved ones. Dolphin’s Resort serves up classics like Eggs Benedict in its cozy cabin-style Anglers Dining Room with forest and ocean views. More Eatery does brunch a little differently with a selection of deliciously unique options that will satisfy all your savoury and sweet cravings, like the Baby Cakes (battered apple rings), a Bagel & Lox Benny, Lemon Poppyseed Waffles, Croque Madame, or Steak & Eggs complete with mushroom medley. Nearby Ideal Cafe has long been a Campbell River institution with its retro diner vibe and extensive breakfast options, from skillets and wraps to omelettes and eggs benedict.
Surf and Turf
For those seeking steak, you’ll want to head to Carve Kitchen and Meatery (it’s in the name!) at Naturally Pacific Resort. If seafood is more your thing, Crabby Bob’s serves up delicious plates of freshly caught fish, incredible steamed shellfish or crab platters, and smaller seafood samplers right on the dock near Discovery Pier.
If you can’t decide between surf or turf, then head over to Waterfront Seafood & Steak Restaurant in the Anchor Inn for some great options and an incredible view.
For that quintessential oceanfront fish and chips experience, look no further than Jigger’s Grill near Dick Murphy Park, which is open seasonally in July and August.
Asian Soups and Spring Rolls
Campbell River has had a boom of Asian cuisine restaurants open in the last few years. If you’re craving a hearty bowl of noodles, meat, and vegetables, Pho 54 is a quick stop right in the heart of downtown by Spirit Square. If you’re after exceptional fresh summer-style or fried spring rolls, visit Nhau Vietnamese Kitchen for a plate of them, along with other iconic Vietnamese dishes, specials, and elevated cocktails.
Driftwood Restaurant has been a long-time local favourite for its lunch and dinner buffets of Chinese dishes, like Dim Sum, Chow Mein, and Wonton Soup. And if Korean food is more your thing, try the dinner menu at Kung Fu Cafe for fresh plates of bulgogi, bibimbap, dumplings, and noodle soups (grab a slice of the housemade cheesecake for dessert).
European Inspiration
Two spots in Campbell River serve up a spread of tasty European-inspired dishes, specifically showcasing Greek cuisine. For a bit of nostalgia, the White Tower Restaurant has been open for over 30 years with its classic white tablecloths, platters of hummus, souvlaki, calamari, dolmades, and spanokopita, and plates of delicately cooked lamb, seafood, and steak.
On the waterfront, Fifty Parallel Tap & Grill celebrates its owner’s heritage in a plethora of Greek dishes, along with staples like burgers, pizzas, and pastas.
If you’re after a taste of Italy, look no further than the beautiful oceanfront setting of Mattone Italian Kitchen for nonna’s meatballs, fresh pastas like gnocchi and ravioli, salads, seafood, and tiramisu. They also have a delicious gelato counter.
Slice of Pie
Find the best pizza in Campbell River by taste testing them all. Session Taproom + Kitchen spotlights local, fresh ingredients in its popular hand-stretched pizzas loaded with toppings (the housemade walnut sausage is a big hit with vegetarians!). They also have salads, bowls, and share plates.
Fratelli Pizza, beside the Tidemark Theatre, serves 19” pizzas made of the best cheese, dough, and housemade sauce. They keep things simple and let the ingredients sing for themselves.
Also in the Downtown area are Pizza Pizza in Tyee Plaza and LOCAL Pizza in the Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre.
Two pizza places on the way to Saratoga Beach—Forbidden Zone Pizza and Jackknife Pizza—are the perfect pitstop for grabbing a slice of pie for a sunset beach session.
Decadent Treats
No vacation is complete without a treat, and Campbell River has several options to satisfy your sweet tooth. Freyja – the croissant story specializes in flaky, layered pastries that are made by-hand in Campbell River. They’re known for classics like a Pain Au Chocolat or Vanilla Croissant, but they also dream up seasonal flavours and unique forms that have drawn a fan following. Daves’ Bakery in Willow Point has all your favourite baked goods like donuts, Nanaimo bars, cookies, and brownies, plus their deli sandwiches are the perfect grab-and-go hiking lunch.
Tap fully into vacation-mode with an ice cream to end the day’s adventure. The Discovery Pier concession stand is known for their generous scoops of vibrant flavours, while the Campbell River Candy Co serves up ice creams, milkshakes, and floats. If you’re more of a tea kind of person, Stonehouse Teas is the go-to spot in town with a plethora of tasty baked goods made in-house to accompany your drink.
